Trainings

About the Program

This Spiritual Direction Training & Apprenticeship program will move at a slow and sustainable pace over the course of two years so that it fits well inside of everyday life. The training itself is rooted in contemplative Christianity and modern psychology; providing a holistic, trauma-informed approach to the art of spiritual direction that affirms and holds space for the full human experience.

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Year One Framework

In Year One, you can expect to study the art of deep listening and sacred-space holding. The first year is divided into three modules with an overall focus on establishing theological and theoretical foundations; preparing the heart and mind of the director for sacred space holding. This will be achieved through monthly readings & reflections, live instruction, and hands-on field experiences. A reading list will be shared with those who register.

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Module 1 (Jan-April): The Director

• The Art and History of Spiritual Direction

• The Anatomy of a Session 

• Deep Listening Skills 101*

• The Person Centered, Spirit Led Approach

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Module 2 (May-Aug): The Directee

• Stages of Faith and the Arc of the Spiritual Journey

• The Search for Meaning & Purpose 

• Imago Dei: The Many Images of God

• Dearly Beloved: Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging 

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Module 3 (Sept-Dec): The Trinity: Safety, Connection, & Wisdom

• Attachment Theory & Spirituality

• Our Wounded Parts: Navigating Religious Shame & Trauma

• Trauma Informed Mindfulness & Embodiment

• Creating Inner Safety through Expressive Art

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*Deep Listening skills will be introduced in month 3 and will be reinforced throughout the duration of the program, with 10 essential skills taught over the course of the year.

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Year One Reading List

We will read 12 books in Year One, at a pace of one book per month. The specific book list will be shared upon registration, but you can expect to read and learn from a wide variety of authors on the topics of spiritual direction, the spiritual journey, the search for identity, meaning and purpose, trauma-informed mindfulness, attachment theory, and more!

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Year One Live Instruction

In Year One, we will meet for live instruction once per month to discuss and reflect on the monthly readings, delve deeper into the monthly theme, practice deep listening skills, and tend to our own souls as spiritual directors in training. Live sessions will meet virtually for 2 hours and the day/time will be based on shared availability. 

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Year One Field Experience

In year one, you will be required to receive, observe, and practice spiritual direction within the safety of the training and immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences as part of your field experience. You will take these skills out into the world in Year Two. Year One field experience includes:

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• Shadow Sessions: Observe 3 client sessions over the course of the year.

• Practice Sessions: Facilitate 3 practice sessions with a buddy.

• Skills Evaluations: Submit 2 recordings of your practice sessions for reflection and constructive feedback.

• Cultural Immersions: Choose 2 social/cultural experiences that will expand your worldview and image of God.

• Spiritual Direction: Maintain a personal rhythm of receiving spiritual direction at least once per month for the duration of the training program.

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Year Two Framework

In Year Two, you can expect to practice the art of deep listening and sacred-space holding. The second year is divided into three modules with an overall focus on establishing an ethical and sustainable practice while also applying skills and theories learned in Year One. This will be achieved through live instruction, hands-on field experiences, and monthly supervision.

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Module 1 (Jan-April): Ethics & Discernment

• Finding the Right Fit: Client Intakes

• Confidentiality & Informed Consent

• Spiritual Companioning: Relationship Building & Healthy Boundaries

• Let’s Get Technical: Cultivating an Online Sacred Space

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Module 2 (May-Aug): The Director & Directee

• The Compassionate Witness: Advanced Deep Listening Skills 

• When the Reflection is You: Transference & Countertransference  

• God as the Director: Leaving the created with the Creator  

• Wellness for Wounded Healers 101

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Module 3 (Sept-Dec): The Practical Practice

• The Business of Spiritual Direction: Establishing a Practice

• Manifesting a Website & Online Presence

• Connecting with Directees (where to find them)

• Sustaining a life giving practice (boundaries, self care, & sustainable rates) 

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Year Two Reading List

The focus of Year Two will shift from learning to doing and therefore, there are no required readings. There is however, an OPTIONAL reading list of influential books and films that may be of interest to you as you progress through the program. This optional material is intended to not only shape you, but serve as trailheads to further independent learning as you discover your own unique niche. 

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Year Two Live Instruction

In Year Two, we will continue to meet monthly for a 2-hour live session to delve deeper into the monthly theme, practice deep listening skills, receive supervision, and tend to our own souls as spiritual directors in training. Live sessions will meet for 2 hours and the day/time will be based on shared availability. 

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Year Two Field Experience

In Year Two, apprentices are required to take their skills from year one out into the field to practice with directees. In addition to their practicum hours, apprentices will reflect upon their growth, continue to immerse themselves in diverse cultural experiences, and practice self-care in spiritual direction. Year Two field experience includes:

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• Practicum experience: a minimum of 3 unique clients & 30 session hours.

• Skills Evaluations: Submit 3 recordings of your practice sessions for reflection and constructive feedback.

• Cultural Immersions: choose 2 social/cultural experiences that will expand your worldview and image of God.

• Spiritual Direction: Maintain a personal rhythm of receiving spiritual direction at least once per month for the duration of the training program. 

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This training is trauma informed, LGBTQIA+ and ND affirming.